Sound Devices Releases v8.50 Firmware for 8-Series Mixers/Recorders

Audio Gear News

by Olaf von VossSeptember 28^th, 2021

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Investing in professional sound gear is not cheap. So you want to purchase a product that falls under the Japanese concept of Kaizen, continuous improvement. Sound Devices is not a Japanese company (but a US one), but nevertheless they seem to be committed to the Kaizen idea. In fact, they have just released a new v8.50 firmware for their 8-series mixers/recorders.

The new v8.50 firmware is only for Sound Devices’ 8-series mixers/recorders, meaning it only affects owners of an 833, 888 or Scorpio. The main improvement here is the now availbale support for Shure’s ADX5D dual-channel receivers.

To use these receivers, you need the optional SL-2 (or SL-6 for the bigger Scorpio) SuperSlot module. With it, you can control certain parameters of the Shure receiver directly from your 8-Series mixer/recorder.

Sound Devices v8.50 firmware

Sound Devices have announced this fresh update via their official Twitter channel.

According to Sound Device’s download section, the v8.50 update brings the following additions and improvements:

New

• SuperSlot support for the Shure ADX5D when connected to the 8-Series via SL-2 or the Scorpio via SL-6. Use the 8-Series interface to set frequency, start and view RF scans, view RF history, edit parameters and menu items, and more.
• New RF History Levels menu for the Wisycom MCR54 with options for viewing RSSI or Link Margin. 

Change

• Rare events where SL-2 or XL-AES audio unexpectedly mutes no longer occur. 
• SL-2/SL-6 Use Transmitter Names menu is now called Use Wireless Names. Audio Ltd A10-RX and Shure ADX5D support this feature.

If you’re not familiar with the mentiond Shure ADX5D, here’s a quick video:

Pricing and availability

The firmware update is available free of charge and can be downloaded directly from the company’s website.

I always think it’s good when the manufacturer shows some commitment to a given product instead of pursuing a wasteful strategy of planned obsolescence.

Do you use any of the Sound Devices products? Are you missing any critical features? Let us know what you think in the comments below!